So, here’s volume 1 of x volumes about what ads disgust me. Today’s example is what inspired this entire series.

I know, I know, it’s Mad Men related. I swear I’m not obsessed with the show, but I am constantly inundated with marketing on the internet. I was persuing the AMC Mad Men site when I witnessed this gem:

Isn't that just dandy.

My Hello Kitty theme aside, I just find the message in this Chorlox ad appalling. Not only have they been attempting to brand themselves lately as a kind, caring company, who cares for the people, their clothes, and the environment, the message in this ad is a bit alarming. Yes, they were attempting to be witty and play on the success of Mad Men. However, there is a slight difference between portraying adultery in a context and setting, and then heralding it through the use of your product. They are completely undermining their existence branding campaign. I also think this shows they don’t know who their audience – mainly women in their 40s – and Mad Men’s audience – mainly women baby boomers – is and what they like. What woman would really endorse her husband having affairs? Plus, most people who visit this site and will see this are women, which will completely turn them off from the product!

This is the kind of advertising  that I would expect to see on askmen.com or something, but AMC? Just because we’re all obsessed with these philanderers does not mean we welcome it into our own lives. Please keep fiction and products we use separate.